Like in the United States, Brazilian elections are looming. (October 5th is election day, as well as my birthday). Which party will win? The loudest and most fun party, I presume. The main method of campaigning is by music. Cars to drive around with huge speakers straped onto their roofs and blare jingles (that constantly get stuck in your head) that promote their canditate. The tunes are very catchy...imagine something like PussyCat Dolls, only singing about McCain...
Since windows are wide open in every house, the message gets spread easily. One morning, one of these cars was parked on the street somewhere near my apartment and was broadcasting a campaign speech. No need to go to the DNC or even waste time watching a boring speech in front of the tv...the speech gets to you no matter what you are doing. There is no blocking it out.
Another way Ive seen the parties campaign is by hiring loads of people to stand on busy streets for hours with flags with their name on it.
I wonder what the voter turn out is like in Brazil because they also have TV commercials (all the time) about being a responsible person and voting (sponsered by the Brazilian government). Or saying that you have control of your future and your government you should vote. It seems that the American government would not care to waste money on that.
Speaking of government today was Independence day and there was a HUGE parade right outside of my house. Every imaginable military regime was represented in ludacris hats or complete with camo face paint. Independence day seems to be about showing off Brazils HUGE military...ya know like dont mess with us...rather than the US where we try to focus on BBQs and red white and blue. It was quite enjoyable though.
1 comment:
that is super interesting. Yea it is compulsory to vote here as well.. except everyone i've ever talked to hates the current president(a)! my host father calls her el penguino... bajaja
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